Forging Hope
The building of a man’s character is forged through the fire of his walk with God. Once forged, the qualities of Christ’s character will be evident through that man. We see it throughout the Bible as we read of many people who went through the fiery process. More often than not the process was custom-designed by God to prepare them for a specific task. Their personal special mission, depended on their willingness to push forward, deal with the heat and pain and partner with God in an unwavering way.
I have been there time and time again. I have seen many of God’s attributes play out right before my eyes. He’s been a father to me through my time of struggle, when I didn’t think that I could make it, He was there to sustain and carry me through. Many times I questioned the process, and tried to obtain the answers my way. Until I realized that the how doesn’t belong to me. The how belongs to Him. All that belongs to me is the hope.
In this forging process, I began to realize that we are running for Christ, towards Christ. In this race, some are ahead of us, some are behind and some are not running at all. All we can do is meet each person where they are in the process, and speak to them words of hope and life. Encourage them to continue the race, to pick up the pace and to see the end right from where we are. The forging process will shape you into a weapon or war for our creator. The pain that you may be facing today and the trial that you are going through are essential elements to producing a Christ like character.
Our fallen nature must die in order for Christ to rise up within us. That’s the only way.
We must die to our human desires and allow Christ to shape us the way He wants us to be. As co-laborers with Christ on earth, we are His ambassadors. What is hard to understand today, will be easy to understand tomorrow. So, today, let Him forge your character and strengthen you. Then, you will look back at your process and will give glory and honor to Him as you realize that His fire prepared you to finish and win the race.
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6
The process of purity is not an easy one. Trust in Him and persist as you withstand obstacles and realize that abiding in Christ will build your character and forge you hope.